Koli men lift the palanquin onto their shoulders and carry it outside the temple premises. Devotees feel a closer connection to the deity when they participate in carrying the palanquin, as it symbolizes the deity's presence among them.
A troupe performs lezim, a Maharashtrian folk dance known for its energetic and rhythmic movements, including jumps, spins, and coordinated group formations. The dance is named after the lezim, a musical instrument made of wooden or metal rods with small metallic discs attached. When shaken, the discs produce rhythmic jingling sounds.
The end-point of the procession is the Sai Baba Temple, located near Worli Fort. The open space in front of the temple is ideal for large gatherings. After a brief halt at the Sai Baba Temple, the procession starts the return journey to Papvimochneshwar Temple.
While the saxophone is not traditionally a part of Koli music, its use in fusion styles demonstrates the adaptability and evolution of traditional musical forms. Incorporating Western instruments like the saxophone adds a new dimension to Koli music, creating a unique and dynamic sound that appeals to a wider audience.
A floral rangoli made from marigolds, roses, frangipani, and jasmine. Worli Koliwada, like many other old neighbourhoods in Mumbai, is characterized by narrow, winding lanes and closely packed houses. Despite the narrowness, these lanes serve as common spaces where residents come together to decorate during festivals.
Abhanga is a form of devotional music and poetry narrated throughout the procession. The term ‘abhanga’ literally means ‘unbroken’ or ‘indestructible,’ symbolizing the eternal and continuous nature of devotion. They convey spiritual teachings, emphasizing the importance of inner purity, detachment, and the pursuit of moksha (liberation).
Devotional abhangas are sung as part of the all-night vigil. Abhangas are typically written in quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a simple and rhythmic structure set to melodious tunes, making them easy to sing and remember. They are accompanied by traditional instruments such as the dhol, the kartal, the manjeera, and the tanpura.
On Maha Shivaratri, the svayambhu lingam is converted into a mukhalingam by covering it with a metal kavach (armour or casing) carved in the shape of the head of Shiva. The term mukhalingam is derived from mukha, meaning "face," i.e., the face of Lord Shiva.
The Koli community has a deep connection to the sea and marine life. The coconut holds significant cultural, religious, and economic importance in Koli culture. On the day of Maha Shivaratri, a special coconut is brought to the temple, protected by an umbrella, a symbol of royalty.
The route taken by the palki includes temples, homes of devotees, and public spaces, symbolizing the spread of divine blessings across the community. The movement of the palanquin through the streets represents the journey of the deity, blessing the areas and people it passes by. This journey is symbolic of the divine's omnipresence and its accessibility to devotees.